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Going Long on Coal Front-Year/Year+2 Spread Tends to Pay Off

Over the course of six out of the past eight years – including all of the past five – the Rotterdam coal front year has gained more (or lost less) than the year+2 contract.

In this infographic, ICIS market reporter, William Peck, shows movements in the spreads between the two contracts over this period, and looks ahead to determine whether the pattern will repeat this year.

The Market Stability Reserve (MSR) – A White Paper for an optimised approach

In this white paper we put forward our proposal for an optimised MSR that would enables the EU ETS to promote reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in the most cost-effective and economically efficient manner.

We believe our proposed approach is able to handle a broad array of emission regimes (including high emissions scenarios) whilst preserving the integrity of the EU ETS carbon price signal.

Featured Content

ICIS Webinar: The EU ETS Post-2020 reform and its impacts untangled, 11th December at 14

In this webinar, our senior analysts Marcus Ferdinand and Stefan Feuchtinger will explain how the agreed revision will change the fundamental structure of the carbon market and explain why carbon prices will gain importance for the wider energy complex.

White paper: What is the potential impact of the Trump administration on the US energy industry?

ICIS takes a closer look at how key sectors within the US energy industry were shaped by the Obama administration and what the potential market impact could be under the helm of President Donald Trump.

What's New from ICIS

European Polyolefins Outlook 2018

Linda Naylor explores the challenges , threats and opportunities that lie ahead for the polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) markets for 2018. In particular, potential impact of the new North American capacities on the European PE market.

Going Long on Coal Front-Year/Year+2 Spread Tends to Pay Off

Over the course of six out of the past eight years – including all of the past five – the Rotterdam coal front year has gained more (or lost less) than the year+2 contract.

In this infographic, ICIS market reporter, William Peck, shows movements in the spreads between the two contracts over this period, and looks ahead to determine whether the pattern will repeat this year.

Mexico Energy Outlook 2018

Mexico’s energy reform has entered into its sixth and most decisive year yet, as the country gears up for a presidential election in July 2018, against the backdrop of ongoing renegotiations over the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with the US and Canada.

As the leading information provider for the Mexican gas and power markets, ICIS is pleased to provide you with the Mexico Energy Outlook covering the most important milestones and development stages for both sectors through 2018.

ICIS Global Chemicals Outlook 2018 Series

It comes as no surprise that petrochemicals markets were in disarray in 2017. Hurricane Harvey made landfall in the US but had a global effect on the markets. With the dawn of a new year, it’s important to understand what happened in the markets in 2017 and get a glimpse of what to expect in 2018.

ICIS is delighted to announce the launch of the 2018 global chemical outlook magazines. These publications provide a detailed overview of 2017 and the outlook for the next 12 months for the key chemical markets listed below.

EU’s plastics policies and impact on petrochemicals markets

Proposals for the first ever Europe wide strategy on plastic waste* were launched in January, aiming to commit to total plastic packaging recyclability or reusability by 2030.

ICIS news has been following this developing story closely, reporting on how the proposed strategy will affect the demand of primary plastics as well as what possible opportunities there may be to develop new products and feedstock streams.

European Natural Gas Outlook 2018

Download the outlook for an insight into several large natural gas projects, including two market mergers, which could reshape the current trading landscape, as well as the resumption of supply from Russia to Ukraine, which has the potential to shake the market in central Europe and reshape the trading landscape.

Free Download: Asia PP & PE Forecast Webinar

ICIS hosted a webinar, providing an overview of the trading activities for Asian polyolefins, a forecast of how the Asia markets will evolve in terms of pricing and margins, as well as a supply and demand outlook in 2018.

Further enhancements to ICIS’ styrenic resins coverage

With China being the main buyer of both Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Polystyrene (PS), as well as a net exporter of Expandable Polystyrene (EPS), shifts in domestic supply, demand and especially prices have significant impact on global markets.

To reflect current market activity, ICIS has enhanced its pricing coverage of Asian styrenic resins to include DEL (delivered) East China prices. Together with the spot prices and commentary on drivers such as feedstock, bids, offers and production news, the newly enhanced report ensures you have the data you need to make your commercial decisions.

New Petrochemicals Plant Capacity and Expansions in Europe

For the last five years, the European chemicals industry has faced uncertainty, with some financiers referring to the European economy as ‘structurally damaged’. Yet, despite previous announcements of closures of European petrochemicals plants, for many companies, 2017 was better-than-expected.

This infographic and market insight piece by European News Editor, Jonathan Lopez, represents the new plant capacity and expansions for the European petrochemicals market in years to come.

US polyethylene oversupply could have mixed impact in Latin America

New polyethylene (PE) production coming online in the US Gulf in the first quarter of 2018 could bring oversupply of product in Latin America, but the impact on each country will be different, considering that the regional economies are on different stages of development and have different import tariffs.

Asia PP and PE Forecast Webinar

Join ICIS in this free webinar which provides an overview of the trading activities for Asian polyolefins, a forecast of how the Asia markets will evolve in terms of pricing and margins, as well as a supply and demand outlook in 2018.

Despite the ongoing import pipeline capacity build out from the US, Mexico’s natural gas demand shows no signs of abating. In a bid to stabilise the supply picture in the country’s Southeast, state companies CFE and Pemex are now eyeing LNG as a temporary solution until new pipeline infrastructure comes online.

US PVC bullish in new year on rising demand

The US polyvinyl chloride (PVC) market anticipates a strong year in 2018, on the rising demand to repair and rebuild the damages from the three Category 4 hurricanes that made landfall in the US in 2017 and a series of wildfires that have consumed nearly 10,000 homes and other structures in California.

In this ICIS outlook article, senior editor Bill Bowen discusses the factors that will contribute to the PVC demand in the US.

US isocyanate buyers are hoping to see improved supply conditions in 2018

US isocyanate buyers are hoping to see improved supply conditions in 2018, after both methyl di-p-phenylene and toluene di-isocyanate (TDI) markets saw significant price increases over the course of 2017, driven by persistent supply tightness.

In this ICIS outlook article, editor Zachary Moore discusses supply conditions in the isocyanates market and what to expect in 2018.

Winds of change in the polyolefins market

Significant changes can be expected in the global polyolefins market in 2018.

In North America, all eyes are on the long-term impact of Hurricane Harvey on supplies, while in Asia, the success or otherwise of Chi­na’s economic reforms will have a huge bearing on consumption. In Europe, supply and demand are driving the market, which is expected to remain healthy into 2018.

Ontario’s planned linkage with the California-Quebec cap-and-trade program in January 2018 will have short and long-term impacts for the economy-wide carbon program. ICIS analysts will discuss how the Canadian province’s entrance can have tangible impacts on California-Quebec counterparties and how the existing program will impact Ontario entities joining for the first time.

How temperature within the UK and France has an effect on energy demand

ICIS analysis has found that an average daily temperature of below 9°C in the UK and France is the tipping point as to where wholesale power and gas prices have started to rise over the last three years.

This infographic shows how cooler temperatures impact energy demand in the UK and France, and the effect they have on pricing.

Mounting uncertainty over French nuclear supply

France's nuclear fleets have been scrutinised by regulators this year and last over safety issues. Initial schedules to bring the plants back online have not been kept to as shown in this latest infographic by ICIS.

Gas projects in southeast Europe and Turkey

Turkey and southeast European countries have been struggling to diversify their natural gas resources and supply routes. Over the years, numerous projects have been initiated – but many have fallen through either due to lack of commercial viability, complex regional politics or changing global conditions.

View the latest infographic by ICIS to see which projects are approaching their commissioning date

Free Download: Asia MTBE Trade Flow (2015-2017)

ICIS produced a free infographic providing a complete view of the key exporters and a comparative view of trade flows in the Asian MTBE markets from 2015-2017. Download this free resource now to get a glimpse of the likely direction for 2018.

Infographic: US butadiene: the potential for growing supply

China Natural Gas Annual Report

Identity and assess investment opportunities with the 2017-2018 version of the ICIS China Natural Gas Annual Report.

With the upcoming version of the ICIS China Natural Gas Annual Report, you are guaranteed the most accurate data and insights needed to identify and assess investment opportunities in China, by gaining access to a 2017 market overview, as well as a supply and demand forecast for 2018–2022.

Market Insight: Tight supply to continue for most fertilizer products in q4 as demand remains steady

In this market insight, the ICIS fertilizer team takes a look at the supply-demand scenario for the final three months of the year and the main developments that are expected to affect all products in the fourth quarter of 2017.

NEW LAUNCH - China Oil and Refinery Annual Reports

Keeping up with China’s fast-moving oil and refining sector, which has limited transparency, may remain challenging. Will the strong Chinese appetite for imported crude continue in the coming years and how will independent refineries adapt with the increasingly competitive Chinese refinery industry?

Gain a complete view of China’s oil and refining industry with the latest edition of our annual reports. Access unrivalled data and analysis for the world’s top crude oil importer, ensuring you have the information you need for your investment and commercial strategies.

New Report- ICIS Methanol Global Price Forecast Report

ICIS has launched a global methanol price forecast report with a rolling 6-month price forecast and market outlook, covering trade balances, analysis and a review of trading activity. The report includes ex-tank and ex-works China, CFR China, southeast Asia and US contract prices to help you understand where the methanol markets are headed, and to know the best time to trade.

The new integrated single electricity market (I-SEM) – which is due to go live in May 2018 – will allow trading over a greatly increased number of delivery periods, including a balancing market, day-ahead and a forward market.

In this market insight, ICIS sheds light on the full redesign of the all-island Irish power market, which is taking place to ensure it adheres to EU legislation.

Rhine river transport challenges the petrochemical industry

The Rhine waterways are a vital transport link for the petrochemical industry, with many companies situated near its banks. Periods of low water have occurred with increasing frequency in recent years, causing disruption and expense.

Is the Rhine going to become increasingly problematic to use for business in the coming years? Find out with this in depth ICIS insight into the future of the Rhine water levels and expectations for climate developments.

The Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Romania make up the 4M market coupling project. These nations have experienced an increase in traded volume over the last few months compared to last year. In Romania, however, a surge in January liquidity was followed by a sharp drop in traded volume.

This infographic shows the year-on-year changes in OTC traded volume across the 4M markets and the reasons for these movements.

Your EPCA 2017 Round-up

The 51st European Petrochemical Association (EPCA) in Berlin was bursting with optimism and excitement. Petrochemical producers in Europe are facing continuing pressures within the modern economy to keep up with demand however given the economic backdrop, competitiveness has increased.

Insight: Europe PP and PE buyers facing hikes

This latest insight piece, by ICIS Senior Editor Linda Naylor, looks at how Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) buyers in Europe are facing higher prices for October, as new capacity comes on stream in North America.

Free download: Polyolefins Presentation Slides

The Asian polyolefins sector is expected to experience lengthened supply due to additional global capacities for both polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) markets. Furthermore, the industry has also seen changes in government policies, which might change trading dynamics due to capacity expansions in the near future.

Download the ICIS presentation that analyses the impact of increasing polyolefins capacities in China, southeast Asia and Turkey, along with a short-term outlook for Q4 2017.

Aromatics head into calmer waters

The global aromatics market has been through a turbulent 2017, with supply disruptions, inventory fluctuations and unusual trade patterns. This article gives an outlook for 2018, and details why the authors expect calmer waters ahead.

Download: Insights on Chinese oil supply and demand

China has overtaken the US as the world’s top crude importer. At the same time, as more independent refiners are starting up in China, there is now a supply glut in distillates, resulting in China now exporting.

Access a presentation covering insights on the impact of China’s rising oil demand and surplus on international market players.

ICIS Carbon Markets Almanac 2017

The ICIS Carbon Markets Almanac provides a top-level view of global efforts to combat climate change with cap-and-trade systems. For each of the different schemes worldwide, it highlights key design characteristics and includes spotlight articles discussing specific system features.

Our overarching breakout articles for 2017 include an analysis of the post-2020 carbon world and how we will get there, a discussion of President Trump’s impact on carbon trading, as well as a study on the Brexit and its effect on EU carbon and power markets.

Market Insight: Examining major factors driving the US benzene market

This Market Insight will examine some of the key factors for benzene demand in the US. The outlook for exports of styrene, a key benzene derivative, will be examined along with shifting patterns of international trade. The paper will also examine areas where derivative capacity may grow, while also touching on the economics of on-purpose benzene production.

ICIS Webinar: What does the 2016 review changes mean for the RGGI market?

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) released a draft of potential program changes stemming from the 2016 review process at the end of August 2017. This webinar will dive into what the supply-side dynamics might look like in the future before discussing how these changes could impact market participant behavior. Finally, we will explain how post-2020 structure could influence the price of allowances.

Infographic: Europe Ethylene, Propylene H1 2017 Review

Pricing volatility looks set to continue as new ethane-based cracker and derivatives capacity comes on line in the US from the second half of 2017. This can be challenging for Europe’s olefins as they become more susceptible to global market developments.

This ICIS infographic reviews key developments in the European olefins landscape during the first half of 2017, as well as production and trade data for ethylene, and polymer grade propylene (PGP) spot price evolution.

The first half of 2017 was characterised by three digit swings in the monthly contract reference price with a record adjustment in February when it was agreed up by 49%. Asian demand had strengthened partly on the back of demand from the Chinese auto industry in particular because of expiring tax incentives.

This and the realisation that the concentration of planned cracker and BD unit turnarounds in Europe would likely heavily constrain Europe's supply, sent prices soaring.